MDFRC - Students - Terry J. Hillman Honours Educational Prize

Background

The Murray-Darling Freshwater Research Centre (MDFRC) aims to undertake research to facilitate the sustainable management of aquatic ecosystems. Our vision is to work together to achieve healthy productive aquatic ecosystems that are managed in a sustainable manner. The mission of the MDFRC is to generate the scientific knowledge required to enable the sustainable management of water and associated environmental resources of the Murray-Darling Basin. We do this through the generation, synthesis and communication of scientific knowledge.

Dr Terry Hillman was Director of the MDFRC from 1993 to 2001, and this is the fourth year that the Honours Prize has been offered (previously as the T.J. Hillman Honours Scholarship).

Purpose of the Prize

To foster research that is of direct relevance to environmental management of riverine and wetland ecosystems and catchments, in the Murray or Murrumbidgee regional basins, through increasing the linkages between researchers at MDFRC and either Charles Sturt University or La Trobe University Honours students.

Subject Areas

Any area of Natural Resource Management, especially if it aligns with information needs identified in either catchment management strategies or blueprints.

Number of Prizes

One (1) Prize will be awarded each year.

Prize

A $5,000 stipend.

Eligibility

All students intending to commence their Honours year in 2007 from either Charles Sturt University (Thurgoona or Wagga Wagga campus) or La Trobe University (Albury-Wodonga or Mildura campus).

Selection Criteria

The recipient of the prize will have a strong academic background, however, evidence of a carefully researched project proposal (see below) is of equivalent importance, particularly if they include, or are developed in conjunction with research staff from MDFRC.

Applications

Written applications should be addressed to:

Dr Darren Baldwin
Deputy Director
MDFRC
PO Box 991
WODONGA VIC 3689

Envelopes must be clearly marked “Terry J Hillman Honours Educational Prize 2007”

Applications open: December 2006

Applications close: Friday 23 March 2007

Note: No late applications will be considered.

Submitting Your Application

a) Speak to potential thesis supervisors at your University and MDFRC staff; identify a potential project.

b) Write a project proposal. This should be no more than four (4) pages, but should include title, brief literature review, objectives, and methods. The standard format for scientific reporting is recommended. Your supervisor(s) should have strong input into your proposal.

c) Include your resume, with your academic results.

d) Letter of endorsement from your supervisor(s).

Applicants are strongly advised to target their project proposal towards issues related to environmental management of riverine and wetland ecosystems.

All applicants will be advised by mail of the success or otherwise of their application. Short-listed candidates may be called for an interview.

Terms and Conditions

The prize will be paid in two (2) equivalent amounts at the beginning of 1^st and 2^nd semester of study. The second payment will be made subject to the submission of a progress report from the applicant’s supervisor(s), indicating satisfactory progress, and notification that the student is an on-going enrollment at their institution.
The recipient will be required to lodge of a bound copy of their thesis with MDFRC at the completion of the project. Applicants are also required to deliver a final project seminar to the MDFRC staff.
If a student is awarded a Prize and then subsequently defers from their Honours year, then the prize will be forfeited